Naifeh and Smith’s Van Gogh: A Life is a masterpiece of biography. It brings Vincent vividly to life—not just the artist, but the complex, searching human being. The authors offer an unflinching and richly detailed portrait, grounded in rigorous historical research and a deep exploration of Van Gogh’s relationships, especially with his family and brother Theo. (And please don’t skip the Appendix; the authors offer a comprehensive and compelling re-investigation of his death.) If you’ve ever been moved by Van Gogh’s art or wondered about the person behind the canvas, this book is a must-read. It’s a substantial undertaking, but immensely rewarding.